All Chapters of Road to Redemption: Chapter 61 - Chapter 63

PaytonTHE WEDNESDAY OF my second week back at work, I packed up my desk and headed out of school, my mind on Alex. We’d gotten the paperwork signed for our loan application and been approved, found a preschool for Lily, at least temporarily, and everything appeared to be going our way. I couldn’t wait to start our new journey together. And on top of the house stuff, the wedding plans would start this weekend. Life was still perfect.Alex and I were heading to the builder’s office tonight to pick options and appliances, then it was off to the carpet place tomorrow to pick tile, carpet and such. As I walked out the front doors, I was met by a new agent, Kyle Cobb, and he smiled in greeting.“Hey, Kyle.”“Payton. How was your day?”“Not bad. Yours?”“Good,” he said. “We have a few leads, so that’s a positive.”“Awesome,” I said. “Does that mean you guys are close to shutting this thing down?”Kyle didn’t get a chance to answer because he was suddenly on the ground, blood pooling from so

PaytonEighteen months later… I CAME AWAKE with a groan and Alex reached for my arm. Pain sliced through me and I whimpered.“Payton?” he whispered.“I think… ah… ooof.”Alex knifed off the bed and flooded the room with light.“Too bright,” I moaned.He shut off the light again and turned on the bathroom one. “I’ll get the bag. Should I call 9-1-1? I should get Lily. Should I get Lily, ’cause waking her might take time?”I forced back a giggle. “Call Mom, honey. I’m okay. You don’t need to call 9-1-1.”He nodded and grabbed his cell phone. “Hey, Melissa? Yeah, she woke up in pain. Yeah. Ah…” He focused on me again. “How far apart are the contractions?”“About six minutes,” I said, and took a deep breath.“Six minutes,” Alex said. “Yes. Okay. Right. Thanks.” He hung up and grabbed his jeans he’d dropped on the floor before we went to bed. “What do you need?”“Well, if you can help me out of bed, honey, that would be a good start.”“Fuck, sorry.” He rushed to my side and lifted me gent